In his book titled “Fiqh Ul Quloob” (Understanding of the hearts), Muhammad Bin Ibrahim At-Tuwajri beautifully presents Allah’s (swt) numerous and wonderful creation. The objective is to draw attention from the concrete realities of this world and lead to the spiritual and abstract reality, and, hence, for people to find their role and purpose of life.
Winds and Storage and Distribution of Water
“And there is not a thing but that with Us are its depositories, and We do not send it down except according to a known measure. And We have sent the fertilizing winds and sent down water from the sky and given you drink from it. And you are not its retainers.” (Al-Hijr 15:21-22)
The direction and speed of wind impact world’s temperatures and humidity. They also control the resulting food growth for humans, animals, and other species. Winds cannot be seen but only felt. They are a major source of life and death in absolute control of Allah (swt). They facilitate rain and resulting storage of water for all living beings. Without winds, huge clouds could never be driven to parched lands.
This Ayah is also a stern reminder from Allah (swt) that man should not attempt to monopolize Allah’s (swt) natural resources and deprive others. Allah (swt) is the Absolute Owner of all the worldly resources.
Winds and the Rain Cycle
“It is Allah Who sends the winds, and they stir the clouds and spread them in the sky however He wills, and He makes them fragments so you see the rain emerge from within them. And when He causes it to fall upon whom He wills of His servants, immediately they rejoice.” (Ar-Rum 30:48)
The rain cycle takes place in chronology as an act of obedience to Allah (swt). There is a lesson for us to obey Allah (swt) at every stage of our life, too. The rain cycle should impress us regarding Allah’s (swt) Qudrat and Azmat. How winds cause rain and herald glad tidings to the suffering living beings.
Winds and Destruction
“And in Ad [was a sign], when We sent against them the barren wind. It left nothing of what it came upon but that it made it like disintegrated ruins.” (Adh-Dhariyat 51:41-42)
There are eight types of winds: four of them carry mercy from Allah (swt), while other four carry punishment from Him.
The merciful winds spread resources such as seeds, give glad tidings, pour rain and are gentle for the creation. These winds carry pollen, spread beautiful scent, and also transfer sounds. If Allah (swt) did not grant air the capacity to erase sounds, past and present voices would be hounding and hanging in mid-air all around us. Subhan’Allah!
These winds push forward ships on the back of oceans for trade and transportation. They ignite fire and can carry heat and coolness.
However, the punishing winds turn everything barren and destruct whatever comes in the way by Allah’s (swt) order. Ad were one of the strongest people, but Allah (swt) tore them apart for their transgressions with apparently the lightest of creations – winds.
Winds and Resurrection
“And it is Allah Who sends the winds, and they stir the clouds, and We drive them to a dead land and give life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness. Thus is the resurrection.” (Fatir 35:9)
Winds help us find our faith in the concept of resurrection, when they lug huge clouds to revive dead lands upon Allah’s (swt) commands. The same Creator will bring back to life all humans on the Day of Judgement for a final account.
Believers have a great gift of Salat-e-Istisqa, too. Part of the Australian bush fires of January 2020 were put out by fifty Muslim worshippers, who decided to pray to Allah (swt). Their prayer was followed by rainfall to the blazing lands.
Winds and Patience and Gratitude
“And of His signs are the ships in the sea, like mountains. If He willed, He could still the wind, and they would remain motionless on its surface. Indeed, in that are signs for everyone patient and grateful.” (Ash-Shura 42:32-33)
Water, air and light all are essential for the survival of life. They have been delivering benefits and blessings to the world for 4.5 billion years – and they have not yet depleted.
Wind is a delicate body of air, which can be torn by small particles. On the other hand, wind has been granted the power to move objects and their places. It carries heavy planes and light dust specks. It can propel tornadoes and dust storms.
Air does not let objects sink. It molds into every vessel in any volume. On the other hand, Archimedes’ principle shows us how air lifts heavy iron ships, enabling them to bob on the ocean water.
Only by deep thinking can we offer deep gratitude in good times and acquire super patience in difficult times. These creations facilitate us to renew our lost Iman, too.
Winds and men of understanding
Man can only express gratitude for his intellect by acknowledging the Divine Creator and His meticulous creation plan. A true slave can show servitude only by fearing, loving, worshipping and obeying Allah (swt) as He has the right to. In Allah’s (swt) sight, people who do so are the people of understanding.
“…[in His] directing of the winds are signs for a people who reason.” (Al-Jathiyah 45:5)
Adapted from “Fiqh ul Quloob”.
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